Happy Holidays!

The Holidays are my favorite time of year. Of course, Thanksgiving has and always will be my favorite. Two days prior, the menu is planned, and groceries are bought. But that morning, waking up early in anticipation of the family all gathering for a day of cheer and thankfulness for all God has given, especially our close reltaionships, overwhelm my heart and assure me that despite the hardship and misfortune there is absolute beauty and blessings abounding everywhere in every day situations.

I love helping Mom in the kitchen, something I was really looking forward to this year, but unfortunately circumstance did not allow. But in my heart, I was there. Helping put the turkey in the oven, and combine the ingredients for the dressing, making home made rolls, and displaying all the desserts that glamorized the bar.

Grandma and Grandpa are the first to arrive, and kissing them on the cheek and celebrating in that small moment how much they mean to me begins the joy of the day. Grandma brings in more yummy treats, and the TV in the kitchen and bedrooms are turned in to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

My father and I love watching the parade and the awesome floats with that year's one hit wonder pop stars.

My sister and I always like the afternoons, lazing around on the couch or watching Home Alone while just hanging out.

Once all the family is there, it is so fun to gather the "better than Martha Stuart" foods and family around the two dining room tables and enjoy food, festivity, and most of all, fellowship. We say a heart felt prayer of Thanksgiving and the day is rounded out with thoughts of Christmas on the way.

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Christmas seems to always last the longest of the Holidays. Starting with Black Friday after Thanksgiving, manifesting itself in the malls around mid-month, and then Christmas Eve. Oh, the sound of Christmas Carols rejoicing of the Savior that allows us to live this blessed, FREE, life. Christmas Eve is always fun, with more presents than we think we can open in a year stuffed in Grandma's living room, with just enough pathway to wonder if that odd shaped present is really for you. Erica makes the best cheese balls and Grandma's fudge is passed around (to me) so many times I wonder if I will make it until my next Dentist appointment in coming January. :)  Oh, I love to see Gracelyn and Brett light up as they open their packages. Those kids are so loved! The past few years, I have had to work Christmas Eve, so it's been kind of different not getting to Grandma's until 5, but still the evening is sweet with cookies, card games, and fond memories.

Michael and I put up our two Christmas decorations in the truck, lornaments that Nancy gave us to represent the festivities of the season. Santa reminds us to behave ourselves, and the Christmas Tree reminds us of the star that shone down on the manger where Jesus was born. A tree of hope for the seasons lit with the dreams of our future and the evergreen of the promise that hard work does pay off..

 So, reply in the comment section what you want for Christmas! I'm thinking of crafting some gifts, but I don't have much storage space. . . .

All Michael and I want for Christmas is to get out of  Memphis! Oh, we also would like this Hamilton Beach coffee pot at Wal-Mart that is a 6 cup coffee maker without the caraffe. -Wink.

What is under your Christmas Tree so far? Do you have everyone's packages all wrapped and glittery under the tree? Send me some pics!

Christmas Day is always a great day, too. Getting to model our newest favorite outfit, new purses, jewelry, etc. FUN! Of course, more delicatesen items grace the tables and the afternoon we get to play with the new electronic gadgets we got.

Michael and I hope to be home for Christmas, I know we will be, just not sure what day -Christmas Day more likely. Then the weekend. Then I take my CDL test on Monday and hit the road again! We should have a week off coming by the week of Christmas, so we may have more time home than we think. Keep praying!

I love you all and want you to know that although I am not there physically, I am there in my heart and soul and you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you and love you more than you could ever know.

Please post comments or shoot e-mails when possible! View my profile, too. I've got a song on there that seems to be fitting for now.

I'm not going to lie, this is much harder than I thought it would be and the waiting has driven me to dark moments, but then I look in Michael's eyes and hold on to the goals and dreams we have and why we are doing this. So, we are doing well. Just ready to work and make some money.

With all my heart, I love you!